February 13, 2005

Camilla Parker Bowles: the first Princess Consort

Camilla Parker Bowles will become the first Princess Consort in British history when Prince Charles becomes King.

Harold Brooks-Baker, the publishing director of Burke's Peerage, said: "They have come up with this idea of Princess Consort to make it look as if they have created something special for her. It is a non-title. There is no more difference in this name than being referred to as Mrs. Jones. Instead, they should look at using a royal title that hasn't been used for some time, such as the Duchess of Cambridge."

The closest thing to a Princess Consort was the title conferred on Prince Albert, who was officially known as Prince Consort to Victoria.

Harold Brooks-Baker said: "Queen Victoria wanted to honour Prince Albert by letting it be known that he should be called Prince Consort. It is just a rather crafty way of making it sound different. Everyone who marries a prince or princess is their consort."

Historically, the wife of the King automatically becomes Queen, although the formal title is Queen Consort.

Upon marriage to Prince Charles, Mrs. Parker Bowles will be known as HRH the Duchess of Cornwall, not the Princess of Wales. She will become Princess Consort once Charles is crowned as King of England.

Dick Eastman is available for presentations and full-day seminars at genealogy conferences around the world. Dick knows that sitting through a boring speech is painful. Therefore, he keeps things light and humorous, giving presentations that are educational, motivational, and entertaining.